House passes Sandy Relief Bill

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News Eagle - Hawley, PA

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Posted Jan. 5, 2013 at 1:22 PM

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Posted Jan. 5, 2013 at 1:22 PM

Hawley, Pa.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) voted in favor of H.R. 41, to temporarily increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and provide flood relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The legislation, introduced by Representative Scott Garrett of New Jersey, authorizes the National Flood Insurance Program to borrow up to $9.7 billion.

"Yesterday we passed a bill that will offer immediate relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. It is our duty to make sure those who have suffered losses and damages to their property in the wake of this disaster are made whole again," said Marino. "The people of my district have now withstood the destruction of three major storms in less than 18 months and we cannot be expected to recover on our own."

"Even though the funding we just authorized includes $9.7 billion in aid, the President is calling for Congress to spend over $60 billion on measures that exceed far beyond the scope of emergency disaster assistance. Additional funding to upgrade the forecasting abilities or reconnaissance aircrafts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration does not provide immediate disaster relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy and should not be included in such legislation."

"It is unfortunate that these tactics are the norm in Washington but we need to take serious steps to ensure lawmakers and the American people are well-informed on the bills that Congress is considering. Furthermore, we need to end the practice of including measures that are not relevant to the stated intent of a bill. I will reintroduce my One Subject at a Time legislation and I will continue to advocate for policies that promote a common-sense approach to governing."